El Paso County · Wrongful death
Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyers
We investigate fatal injuries in Colorado Springs and pursue the full measure of damages for your family.
Filing a Wrongful-Death Claim in El Paso County
Colorado law strictly defines who may file a wrongful-death claim and the time window in which to do so. We determine the proper claimants—typically spouse, children, or parents—and coordinate with the estate if necessary. Acting quickly protects your right to recover and ensures evidence at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital, or the scene is not lost or degraded.
We handle all communication with the at-fault party, their insurance, and law enforcement, and gather records from the Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol. Our goal is to build a complete factual record of how negligence or wrongful conduct caused the death, so that when we file in El Paso County District Court, liability is clear and your family's losses are fully documented.
Evidence We Gather and Preserve
Wrongful-death cases demand thorough investigation. We obtain autopsy reports, medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photographs from the scene. We also secure employment records, tax returns, and household contribution evidence to quantify the financial loss your family has suffered. Every piece of evidence must be carefully preserved and presented to support both the legal claim and the human losses.
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and vocational economists when necessary. Insurance policies, prior earnings, and future earning capacity all become part of the evidentiary foundation. Our investigation is not limited to what police or hospitals initially report; we dig deeper to uncover facts that prove how the responsible party's conduct directly caused the death.
Local investigations may involve Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, scenes near Powers Boulevard or Briargate, and medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital.
Prompt investigation and careful evidence collection are critical in wrongful-death claims. The following items should be secured and documented as soon as possible:
- Scene photographs and police reports from Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol
- Autopsy report and all medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital
- Vehicle damage documentation and accident reconstruction (if applicable to Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, Woodmen Road, or I-25 incidents)
- Employment records, tax returns, and pay stubs showing the deceased's income and household contributions
- Witness statements and contact information
- Insurance policies (auto, homeowner's, life, health)
- Family photographs, emails, and records showing the relationship and companionship lost
- Estate documents and probate filings with El Paso County District Court
- Medical bills, funeral expenses, and receipts for out-of-pocket losses
- Communications with the responsible party or their insurer
- Any survival claim evidence (pain and suffering of the deceased before death)
Delays in preservation can result in lost evidence. Contact McCormick & Murphy, P.C. immediately to protect your family's rights.
Medical Records and Autopsy Findings
We obtain complete medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital, as well as any emergency-care documentation. Autopsy findings are critical; they often reveal details about the injury mechanism and causation that support or strengthen our claim. We work with medical experts to interpret findings and connect them to the defendant's negligent or wrongful act.
Medical evidence does more than prove the cause of death. It documents pain and suffering if the victim survived any period after the injury. It may also establish prior health conditions that complicate damages calculations. We ensure all medical and autopsy records are obtained promptly and analyzed with expert input before any statute of limitations expires.
Official Colorado Springs hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Losses Recoverable in a Wrongful-Death Case
- Economic losses: lost wages, salary, and benefits the deceased would have earned over a lifetime
- Medical and funeral expenses: hospital bills, emergency care, and funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and parental or spousal comfort experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of household services: cooking, cleaning, childcare, and other contributions the deceased provided
- Punitive damages: in cases where the defendant's conduct was especially reckless or malicious
- Survival claim damages: pain, suffering, lost earnings, and medical expenses incurred between injury and death
We present all recoverable damages in El Paso County District Court or negotiate a full settlement that honors your family's loss.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Colorado Springs — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Colorado Springs Wrongful death FAQ
Who can file a wrongful-death claim in Colorado Springs?
Colorado law limits who may bring a wrongful-death claim. Generally, the deceased's spouse, children, and parents may file. In some cases, the personal representative of the estate files on behalf of the estate. The rules vary depending on family structure. We review each family's situation to identify the proper claimants and ensure the claim is filed correctly with El Paso County District Court.
What is the deadline to file a wrongful-death claim in Colorado?
Colorado wrongful-death law sets a deadline. Claims must be filed within two years. Because deadlines are case-specific, your family should contact us promptly for a detailed review. Waiting too long can result in losing the right to recover.
What losses can be recovered in a wrongful-death case?
Colorado law allows recovery for economic losses such as lost income, medical and funeral expenses, and the cost of services the deceased would have provided. Families can also recover for non-economic losses, including the grief, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship and guidance. If the deceased suffered injuries before death, a survival claim may also be available. We document both types of losses to build a complete picture of the family's harm.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for wrongful-death cases?
We handle wrongful-death claims on a contingency fee basis. That means we earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won. You pay nothing upfront for our legal work. Costs to investigate, obtain medical records, hire experts, and prepare the case are separate from the attorney fee and are discussed with you in advance.
What should my family do immediately after a fatal injury in Colorado Springs?
Preserve all evidence: obtain the police report from Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, keep all medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital, take photographs of the scene and any vehicles involved, collect witness contact information, and save communications with insurance companies. Do not sign settlement offers or speak to the other party's insurer without legal advice. Call McCormick & Murphy, P.C. right away so we can guide you and protect the evidence.
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929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
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